Avoiding Flu

Flu is a serious disease that can be life threatening, so taking a few extra precautions is well worth it. While a flu jab is by far the best way to avoid the flu, here are some others, both the obvious and some less so:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

When passing someone coughing or sneezing, always breathe out, not in

Washing your hands often with soap or an alcohol-based hand rub. A few drops of lavender essential oil can also act as a natural hand sanitizer on the go.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Eating protein-rich foods such as fish, eggs and yoghurt will help support your immune system to fight infection

Disinfect work surfaces regularly to remove rhinoviruses

Sleep is the most reliable defence against infection

A daily nasal rinse with a bulb syringe will flush out viruses and help clear secretions

Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and fruit and vegetable-based juices during the colds and flu season

If you are unlucky enough to have already caught flu, here are a few tips to help prevent it spreading to others:

  • Stay home to avoid spreading infection.
  • If you are coughing and sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and move away from others.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If infected, touching these areas and then touching objects that others may touch will spread the virus.